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In most cases, it is safe to live in a home with minor foundation problems, but you should not let the issues persist. Virtually all foundations have small cracks from normal settlement, which are not a structural concern but should be sealed to prevent water intrusion. However, major damage—such as large structural cracks, sinking foundations, or bulging walls—can make a home unsafe. Other issues that can pose safety and health risks include poor indoor air quality from mold or pests, uneven floors, and rotten beams or joists. It is always best to have a foundation repair expert or structural engineer inspect any issues to determine if your home is safe to live in.

Egress windows or doors are required in finished basements to meet safety and building codes. If your basement is unfinished and used as a storage space, egress windows are not required, but anything considered a habitable space must have an additional point of egress in addition to the stairs.

The most flood-resistant materials you can count on in a flood scenario are concrete, closed-cell insulation, foam insulation (also known as expandable foam), pressure-treated wood, marine-grade plywood, and ceramic tile. When a material is flood-resistant, it can withstand direct contact with floodwater for at least 72 hours without being significantly damaged.

If you decide to fill the space around your home’s foundation with landscaping materials, it’s important to consider the aesthetic as well as technical factors like drainage and protection from pests and the elements. Materials such as gravel, rubber mulch, concrete, and brick masonry are all good options.